AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat & Storm Risk: Coastal South Carolina is under a heat advisory with feels-like temps near 110, while Upstate SC faces severe storms today with damaging winds and large hail possible. Invasive Species Funding: USDA is making $35M available for partnerships to fight feral swine across multiple states, including South Carolina, aiming to protect farms, wildlife, soils, and water. Water & Climate Swings: A report on western North Carolina says recent heavy rain eased drought there, but highlights how climate change can mean wetter wet periods and drier dry periods—plus groundwater recovery may not stay local. Wildlife & Climate Research: Clemson-linked research finds Antarctic Adélie penguin poop color tracks sea-ice changes, tying shifting diets to survival and colony declines. Public Health Alert: More than 19 million eggs were recalled in a Salmonella outbreak tied to Midwest Poultry Services, with cases reported in South Carolina and 16 other states. Local Seafood Training: South Carolina’s Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program graduated eight apprentices, supporting safer, more sustainable working waterfronts.

Heat & Storm Risk: A Heat Advisory is set for Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry, with “feels like” temps topping 105+ and little chance of cooling rain, while South Carolina’s Upstate also faces a medium threat for strong to severe storms Tuesday. Invasive Species Response: USDA is making $35 million available for feral swine eradication partnerships across multiple states including South Carolina, aiming to protect farms, wildlife habitat, soils, and water quality. School Climate & Waste Education: SCDES is rolling out back-to-school environmental resources and grants, including K-12 Recycling Education Grant options for recycling/composting and food waste reduction. Outdoor Safety After Extreme Heat: A Richland County jury awarded $4.8 million in a heat-stroke case tied to a 2022 outdoor football practice, finding the district grossly negligent and prompting an appeal. Local Environment Watch: SCDNR reports rising manatee sightings along the South Carolina coast, adding to attention on coastal wildlife during hot weather. Energy & Industry: Century Aluminum’s Mt. Holly expansion in Berkeley County is set to boost domestic primary aluminum output and add jobs, while raising the question of how emissions and oversight keep pace with growth.

Severe Weather Watch: South Carolina’s Upstate is bracing for a medium threat of strong to severe storms Tuesday, with heat pushing feels-like temps near 107°F and isolated storms still possible. Flood Aftermath Risk: Bertha’s moisture is still driving flood concerns across the Carolinas, with warnings focused on the dangerous period after rain ends. Rail Safety & Water Monitoring: A CSX train derailment in Laurens County near Lake Greenwood sent 17 cars off the tracks; officials say the derailed railcars were empty, with cleanup and environmental monitoring underway. Data Centers & Power Demand: Utilities across South Carolina are expanding grid and generation to serve data centers, as demand ramps up and ratepayer cost questions grow. Digital Future Planning: SCETA launched ASCENDSC™, a statewide framework tying AI, compute infrastructure, energy, privacy, and rural development into one policy approach. Environmental Justice Funding: A South Carolina federal judge ordered EPA to resume distributing $2.8B in climate justice block grant funds for underserved communities. Wildlife & Hunting Input: SCDNR will hold public forums on deer hunting with dogs, focusing on listening and documenting viewpoints rather than immediate law changes. Food Safety: A massive salmonella egg recall (19M+ eggs) is linked to stores including Kroger and Brookshire’s in multiple states.

Storm & heat impacts: A new free roof inspection program from 5 Stars Roofing is aimed at South Carolina property owners after storm season, when hail, high winds, and heavy rain can cause hidden damage. Wildlife update: SCDNR says manatee sightings are rising along the South Carolina coast as Florida manatees migrate north, and it urges people to view from a distance and avoid feeding or fresh water. Water & health risk: A USA TODAY report says many U.S. military bases are delaying cleanup of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals,” with some deadlines pushed out decades. Local governance & environment: Orangeburg County approved a 6-month data center moratorium after residents raised concerns about environmental and community impacts. Wildlife policy input: SCDNR is holding public forums and a statewide survey on deer hunting with dogs, asking residents to share concerns and ideas before any law changes. Weather watch: High heat is returning to the Southeast and the Lowcountry, with heat index values near 102–112° possible.

Wildlife Watch: SCDNR says manatee sightings are rising along the South Carolina coast as Florida manatees migrate north, and urges people to view from a distance, never feed or offer fresh water, and report violations or sick animals to the wildlife hotline. Public Input on Hunting: SCDNR is collecting statewide feedback on deer hunting with dogs through meetings and a survey, stressing it’s listening only and that any law changes would come from the General Assembly. Data Center Backlash in SC: Orangeburg County approved a first-reading moratorium on new data center construction after residents raised concerns about land, water, health, and affordability; Chester County also paused new applications, while Spartanburg debates a longer pause amid heated public comment. Water and Climate Pressure: A long-delayed Virginia groundwater study warns declines are likely in a key aquifer and calls for tighter rules on industrial water withdrawals—another reminder of how water-hungry projects can collide with local supplies. Air Pollution Enforcement: DOJ and EPA proposed a $1.5M settlement against Domtar over Clean Air Act violations at its Ashdown, Arkansas mill, including required pollution-control upgrades.

Deer Hunting With Dogs: The S.C. Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to weigh in on the long-running, often contentious practice of hunting deer with dogs, using public meetings, focus groups, and a statewide survey; officials say there’s no pending legislation and they’re not proposing law changes, but any changes would require lawmakers. Data Center Backlash: Orangeburg County unanimously approved a first-reading six-month moratorium on new data center construction after residents raised concerns about environmental impacts, health, and affordability. Water & Climate Risk: A long-delayed Virginia study warns groundwater in the state’s eastern aquifer could decline under pressure from population growth and water-hungry data centers, urging tighter permit rules and stronger oversight. Animal Welfare Push: Lowcountry advocates are calling for stronger animal welfare laws after a string of cruelty cases, saying counties shouldn’t wait for state action. Weather Watch: Scattered showers and storms are possible across South Carolina Sunday, with heat staying intense into next week.

Data Center Backlash in SC: Chester County approved a six-month moratorium on new data center development after residents raised concerns about land, water, and long-term impacts, joining a growing wave of local pauses. Local Governance: Orangeburg County also moved toward a data-center moratorium after residents warned about environmental harm and community health, while Spartanburg saw a heated meeting over a proposed pause. Water & Climate Risk: A long-delayed Virginia study warns groundwater declines are likely in a key aquifer and urges tighter rules on water withdrawals—another reminder that cooling tech can stress local water supplies. Wildlife Conservation: Conservation work is helping oystercatchers rebound along U.S. coasts, with banding and habitat efforts boosting numbers. Public Input on Hunting: SCDNR is holding meetings and a statewide survey on deer hunting with dogs, saying it’s listening and documenting before any law changes. Animal Welfare: Lowcountry advocates are pushing for stronger animal welfare laws after recent cruelty cases. Heat & Safety: Reports highlight ongoing extreme heat risks and the need for caution during summer conditions.

Data Center Backlash in SC: Chester County approved a six-month moratorium on new data center development after residents warned about impacts to land, water, and the county’s future, with a broader regional fight growing as York and Spartanburg consider pauses. Local Governance: Spartanburg’s packed council meeting turned heated as supporters and opponents argued over noise, soil, emissions, traffic, generators, and water use, with officials moving forward on a proposed 12-month pause. Environmental Justice in Courts: A South Carolina federal judge ordered the EPA to resume distributing environmental justice grants it canceled, including potential $20M effects tied to the Walker River Paiute Tribe. Pollution & Plastics: South Carolina activists say “nurdles” (microplastic pellets) remain a massive problem, citing volunteer counts in the Congaree and Cooper river areas. Wildlife & Invasives: A destructive yellow-legged hornet is spreading in Georgia and South Carolina, threatening honeybees and other pollinators. Animal Welfare Laws: Lowcountry advocates are pushing for stronger animal welfare laws after cruelty cases, arguing counties shouldn’t wait for state action.

Climate & Environmental Justice: A federal judge ordered the EPA to release illegally canceled Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant funds, including about $20 million tied to the Walker River Paiute Tribe, pushing the agency to administer the program through Sept. 30, 2026. Flood Risk & Drought: Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Bertha’s moisture and a stalled front has raised flash-flood concerns across the Carolinas, while South Carolina still sits in moderate-to-extreme drought with water restrictions spreading. Pollinators Under Threat: Georgia and South Carolina are tracking the invasive yellow-legged hornet, a predator that can steadily weaken honeybee colonies. Local Land-Use Fight: Fort Mill School District is urging state and county leaders to enforce zoning limits at the Silfab Solar site after a court upheld that manufacturing isn’t allowed under the current zoning. Coastal Resilience & Community Science: Charleston hosted a Coastal Science Research Symposium focused on stormwater, water quality, marine debris, fisheries, and sustainable coastal development. Public Health: Doctors warn cyclospora can cause weeks of explosive diarrhea; hydration is key and outbreak-linked foods should be avoided. Animal Welfare: Authorities released details from a Longs-area dogfighting and abuse investigation that removed 58 dogs.

Tropical Storm Bertha & Flood Risk: Bertha’s final Gulf landfall is expected Thursday, but the bigger threat is a moisture plume feeding heavy rain across the Carolinas and parts of Virginia and Georgia, with flash-flood warnings and more rain through Friday. Coastal Conservation: Horry County’s Waties Island could become South Carolina’s newest state park after a $4 million NOAA grant helped secure 107 acres for long-term habitat protection and planned public access. Data Centers vs. Communities: Spartanburg residents near a nearly $3B data center say dust, noise, and health impacts are already hitting, while Congress and the White House push “ratepayer protection” ideas to stop grid upgrade costs from landing on household bills. Wildlife & Public Safety: Greenville Zoo closed after an Amur leopard escaped its enclosure for about 38 minutes before being tranquilized; officials are investigating how it got out. Invasive Species: A hammerhead worm sighting in Alabama highlights the risk to soil health and pets, with experts urging safe removal and steps to prevent spread. Agriculture Biosecurity: USDA announced $35M to help combat feral swine, part of a larger $105M effort to protect farms, landscapes, and livestock health.

Drought & Flood Risk: Even with recent rain, North Carolina is still dealing with long-running drought, and officials say reservoir levels won’t fully rebound soon—while a separate Flood Watch warns heavy downpours could still trigger flash flooding across parts of the Carolinas. Extreme Weather & Home Costs: A new report flags South Carolina homeowners could face some of the steepest insurance premium hikes in the U.S. over the next decade, driven by hurricanes, flooding, and rising risk. Data Centers vs. Communities: Fairfield County approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center approvals as it drafts rules—while a national poll finds most Americans oppose AI data centers in or near their communities. Invasive Species Alert: A hammerhead worm (shovel-headed garden worm) was spotted again in Alabama, with experts urging safe removal and steps to prevent spread. Wildlife Conservation: Oystercatchers are showing a comeback along U.S. coasts thanks to conservation efforts. Local Environment & Planning: Georgetown County took ownership of the Georgetown Port, with environmental studies and cleanup needed before any redevelopment. Health & Waterborne Threats: Mecklenburg County warned residents after West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes, urging vigilance for symptoms.

Flood Watch: A slow-moving cold front plus moisture tied to Tropical Storm Bertha is driving a multiday flash-flood threat across the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic, with Charlotte-area storms and possible damaging winds and localized flooding through Thursday. Coastal Resilience: South Carolina’s Highway 41 wetland permit meeting drew strong opposition over stormwater impacts and flooding concerns near Toomer Creek, with residents urging the state to deny stormwater permits. Insurance & Climate Risk: A new report warns South Carolina homeowners could face steep premium increases over the next decade, pointing to hurricanes and more frequent flooding along the coast. Derelict Boats: Marinas and state agencies met to stop hundreds of older, uninsured boats from being pushed back into creeks and marshes, threatening years of cleanup. Legal Climate Grants: A federal judge ordered EPA to resume administering a $2.8B environmental and climate justice grant program after the administration rescinded it. Wildlife Comeback: Conservation efforts are helping oystercatchers rebound along U.S. coasts, including South Carolina’s shoreline ecosystems.

PFAS Accountability: The EPA, DOJ and West Virginia DEP announced a $450 million settlement with Chemours over alleged PFAS releases into major rivers, a case tied to South Carolina PFAS litigation. Solar Zoning Fight: A South Carolina court upheld a zoning decision against Silfab Solar in Fort Mill, saying solar panel manufacturing doesn’t fit Light Industrial rules, though the facility’s future is still tied up in other proceedings. Data Centers vs Wildlife: New analysis flags states where fast data center growth overlaps with high endangered species counts, adding fuel to the push for moratoriums and tougher standards. Local Weather: South Carolina is shifting from intense heat to a multi-day rainy pattern driven by a slow cold front, with isolated flash flooding and severe storms possible. Clean Energy Jobs: Fortified Solar announced a $22.75 million Greenville County expansion, adding 151 jobs and boosting production of building-integrated solar roofing. Coastal Culture & Community: A new book highlights Gullah Geechee diasporas and influence beyond the Sea Islands, reframing the region’s cultural legacy as part of a wider U.S. story.

Shoreline Resilience: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is set to start a $7 million Snow’s Cut shoreline stabilization project this fall, using a mix of living shoreline approaches and hardened protection to curb erosion while aiming to protect nearby habitat and the navigation channel. Wildlife & Habitat: A Lake Norman conservation group received a Duke Energy grant to install two artificial reefs on Lake Norman to boost fish habitat and improve fishing conditions. Coastal Cleanup Pressure: Coastal marinas, state agencies, and law enforcement met to tackle the risk of derelict, uninsured boats being pushed out and returning to creeks and marshes, threatening years of cleanup. Public Health Alert: South Carolina health officials confirmed rabies cases in Charleston, York, and Saluda counties, urging residents to avoid handling wild animals and to watch for possible bat bites. Endangered Species Policy Fight: Environment groups are challenging federal rollbacks to endangered species protections, warning habitat protections could weaken. Local Energy & Industry: A judge upheld York County’s zoning decision limiting Silfab Solar’s Fort Mill manufacturing under the current light industrial rules.

Solar & Zoning: A York County judge upheld a ruling blocking Silfab Solar’s planned Fort Mill manufacturing, saying the solar panel work isn’t a permitted use in the Light Industrial district—leaving the company needing a zoning change or new appeal. Wildlife Conservation: Oystercatchers are rebounding along U.S. coasts thanks to a long-running conservation push that includes banding and habitat work, with South Carolina’s coastal shellfish efforts also tied to reef restoration. Shellfish Access: Georgetown County will open more than 4,000 acres of marsh for public recreational shellfish harvesting this fall, with SCDNR monitoring and habitat restoration. Health & Water Safety: South Carolina health officials warn cyclosporiasis could spread further as symptoms lag exposure; cases are already reported statewide. Energy & Storm Readiness: Dominion Energy met with Aiken County leaders on hurricane season preparedness, using Helene as a benchmark for response and customer messaging. Climate Signals: NOAA forecasts a warmer, wetter fall for South Carolina as El Niño strengthens. Data Centers & Local Control: Lexington County debates rules as other counties consider moratoriums, reflecting growing pressure from data center expansion.

Pipeline Pushback: South Carolina landowners filed a class action to block gas pipeline survey crews from entering private property before easements or other legal permission, a fight that could set a wider precedent for early-stage energy projects. Storm Watch: A cold front and Tropical Storm Bertha’s moisture are expected to raise flash-flood and severe storm risks for the Carolinas, with damaging winds and heavy rain possible. PFAS Fallout: More than 2,600 North Carolina residents are set to settle a PFAS lawsuit against Chemours out of court, underscoring how “forever chemicals” can disrupt homes and daily life long before health claims are resolved. Wildlife Recovery: Oystercatchers are rebounding thanks to a major, multi-state conservation effort that includes beach education and habitat protection. Local Nature Access: Henry’s Nature Center opened in Saluda with trails and native plant gardens, aiming to teach stewardship and connect families to the outdoors. Energy Grid Jobs: York Tech in Rock Hill is a founding partner in an NSF-backed grid modernization effort to build a regional hub for a more reliable, future-ready electric system.